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Established Camping

Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area

Warning 1 Alert is In Effect

There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!

Colorado weather can be unpredictable: be prepared for a variety of weather conditions including extreme hot and cold temperatures, wind, rain, and snow (even in the summer). CPW does not grant exceptions to the refund policy for weather conditions.

Rincon Campground, near Salida, Colorado, is a cozy spot that caters to both tent and RV campers looking for a simple outdoor experience. With eight basic tent sites, each equipped with a fire ring, grill, and picnic table, it’s a straightforward place to set up camp and enjoy the surrounding beauty.

The campground offers stunning views of the Arkansas River, making it a great place for fishing or just soaking in the scenery. While some visitors noted the lack of shade and the proximity to Highway 50, which can bring some noise, many appreciated the well-kept sites and the chance to cool off in the river. One camper mentioned, “Really beautiful and well maintained spots,” highlighting the campground's charm despite its quirks.

For those who enjoy a bit of adventure, Rincon Campground is conveniently located near various outdoor activities, including hiking and river sports. Just a short drive from Salida, you can easily access local dining and attractions after a day of exploring. Whether you’re stopping for a night or planning a longer stay, this campground offers a straightforward and scenic escape into nature.

Description

Colorado Parks & Wildlife

Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area - Rincon (Recreation and Public Purposes Site)

The Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) is one of the nation’s most popular locations for whitewater rafting and kayaking and home to the most commercially rafted river in the United States, the Arkansas River! Tumbling 4,650’ in 152 miles, boaters can find anything from roaring Class IV and V rapids, to milder Class II and III sections, which are ideal for beginner and family trips. AHRA also offers a world-class trout fishery and sightseeing within the Upper Arkansas River Valley as well as abundant opportunities for camping, picnicking, hiking, wildlife watching, horseback riding, mountain biking and OHV travel.

AHRA operates eight campgrounds along the Arkansas River, all of which have boat ramps for raft and kayak access.

Please visit the Arkansas Headwaters website for current conditions and more information: https://ahra.mobi/park

By making a reservation with Colorado Parks and Wildlife, you are agreeing to read and abide by all rules stated in this purchase flow and on the confirmation letter.

  • There is no water, electricity, or firewood available in the campgrounds.

  • The gathering of firewood in the campground is NOT permitted.

  • Facilities at AHRA Campgrounds include vault toilets, tent pads, grills, and picnic tables.

  • Motor craft are NOT permitted on the river.

Please use www.cpwshop.com or call (800) 244-5613 to make, cancel, or change reservations or make any license, pass, or retail purchases. ReserveAmerica.com has limited functionality for CPW customers.

Per CPW regulation, no individual may camp or park a motor vehicle, trailer or camper on a state park for more than fourteen (14) days in any twenty-eight (28) day period on a single park. For the purposes of this regulation, an individual is defined as any person who has occupied a site, whether or not they are formally listed on the reservation as the reserving party or primary occupant.

Any reservations made with one or more days outside of the 6-month reservation window will be frozen to changes for 14 days from the date the reservation was made.

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Location

Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area is located in Colorado

Detail location of campground

Directions

Unlike most other Colorado State Parks, Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area (AHRA) does not have one set of driving directions to get to the park. This is because the AHRA is actually a linear recreation area that follows the Arkansas River for 152 miles from the high mountains near Leadville, Colorado, to Lake Pueblo, on the edge of Colorado plains. There are a number of highways and roads entering the valley. Along the way, the AHRA has eight basic campgrounds, numerous picnic areas, fishing and boating access points and trail access. PLEASE NOTE: You _do not_ need to check in at the visitor center prior to your arrival if you are camping. You may go directly to the campground. Please see Campground Directions printed at the bottom of your confirmation letter.

Address

307 W Sackett Ave
Salida, CO 81201

Coordinates

38.47065965 N
105.86529897 W

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Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

  • WiFi
    Good
  • Verizon
    Unknown
  • AT&T
    Unknown
  • T-Mobile
    Good

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Reservable
  • Electric Hookups
  • Toilets
  • Alcohol
  • Pets
  • Fires

For Vehicles

  • Sewer Hookups
  • Water Hookups
  • Pull-Through Sites
  • 30 Amp Hookups
  • 50 Amp Hookups
  • Big Rig Friendly

Drive Time


Reviews

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3.5

out of 5

7 Reviews

Reviewed Apr. 13, 2025

Beautiful site but close to the highway

Really great pull through RV sites right in the river with nice level gravel tent pads, picnic tables, and tire rings with cooking grates. Boat ramp here too so it can get busy with people launching and recovering their river fishing boats and rafts.

Site1203
Month of VisitApril
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Allen P., April 13, 2025
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Nov. 1, 2021

Small

Reservation Only 800-244-5613 cpwshop.com

8 basic tent campsites with a tent pad, f

Fire ring/grill, and table parking space for vehicles Pit toilets and two changing areas This campsite is very small but well kept. The main highway runs along side and might be a bit noisy. The road in and at the campsite is a gravel base. 

Directions: It is off Highway 50 about 8 miles east of Salida. Mile marker 231 between the towns of Swissvale and Howard. The turn is on the north side on a very curvy part of the highway.

Month of VisitOctober
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., November 1, 2021
  • Play button icon
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by N I., November 1, 2021
  • (9) View All
Reviewed Aug. 11, 2021

Great view of the Arkansas River. Probably best suited for RVs.

Wednesday, August 4, 2021 

Motorcycle tent camping along the river. This campground did not have much shade. Only one group table had a cover over it. Some shade trees along the river bank. Great views of the Arkansas River. Highway 50 close to this campground. It was noisy. All night long, cars would pull into the campground stoping at the restrooms and shining lights into my tent. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.

SiteSite, Loop: 1204HA, Rincon
Month of VisitAugust
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kenneth S., August 11, 2021
  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kenneth S., August 11, 2021
Reviewed Sep. 28, 2020

Nice spot but noisy

Really beautiful and well maintained spots. The road is right behind you so it’s good for one night. Went swimming in the river and it was glorious :)

  • Review photo of Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area by Kate R., September 28, 2020
Reviewed Sep. 27, 2020

Beautiful location but...

We tent camped here in late September. Beautiful location with well-kept sites and bathrooms. However sites are close to the road and we could hear the traffic all night. Probably best suited for RVs and quick spot to camp.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Does Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area have RV hookups?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area has 30 amp and 50 amp electric hookups, water hookups and sewer hookups.

  • What is the max vehicle length at Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area allows vehicles up to 70 feet.

  • Are fires allowed at Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

  • Does Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area have wifi?

    No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area does not have wifi.

  • Is there cell phone reception at Rincon Campground — Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area?

    According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is unknown, AT&T is unknown, and T-Mobile is good.